Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed exited Sunday's 20-17 overtime win over the New York Jets with what the team initially listed as a back injury. On Tuesday, head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed that the 26-year-old suffered a neck injury and has since returned to Green Bay, where he remains under evaluation as testing continues.
Reed stayed overnight in the New York area after being injured on the Packers' second offensive play. He lowered his head and took a helmet hit at the end of a catch before collapsing to the turf and being taken away on a backboard.
“It's way too early for that right now. … He's got a lot going on,” LaFleur said when asked whether Reed will play again this season, via Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com.
Players have remained in contact with Reed, and teammates were encouraged that he had regained feeling throughout his body early in the week. However, Green Bay will not rush his recovery. Reed entered 2026 as the starting slot receiver and had four catches for 24 yards through the opening two games. Skyy Moore and Bo Melton are expected to receive more opportunities in his absence.
The Packers' problems along the offensive line are even more extensive. Right tackle Zach Bako-Bewele suffered a full tear of his right patellar tendon and will miss the remainder of the season. He was one of four Green Bay offensive linemen who exited Sunday's game, forcing the coaching staff to consider using tight end Tucker Kraft on the line.
The Packers have already used five offensive-line combinations through two games. Guard Aaron Banks remains a game-time decision because of knee and toe injuries, while offensive lineman Donovan Jennings is dealing with a hand issue. Anthony Belton is expected to replace Bako-Bewele at right tackle despite a shoulder issue of his own. If Belton cannot play, John Williams or Travis Glover could be Green Bay's options.
The uncertainty comes as the Packers prepare for their Week 3 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday night.